Earnhardt is one of several drivers at the test on the newly repaved 1.5-mile oval. A Goodyear spokesman said they believe that Earnhardt cut a tire, causing him to wreck.

He said Tuesday that the cars were faster than in previous trips to the track because of the repaving, which included an increase in the banking in the turns from 15 degrees to variable banking of 17 degrees at the apron to 20 degrees near the wall.

“It should be a fast little racetrack,” Earnhardt said.

Kansas plays host to the Oct. 21 Sprint Cup race. The track has been repaved since its April 22 race, won by Denny Hamlin.

Earnhardt, who finished seventh at Kansas in April, is third in the Sprint Cup standings and has clinched a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.